The Commercial Plan Review is a required review of a structure anytime one is erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, improved, or converted within the City of Austin's jurisdiction. This review encompasses anything three-dimensional nature, including buildings, retaining walls, fences, etc. and determines how the structure relates to the approved site plan.

Review staff ensures that the building plan has an approved site plan or a site plan exemption on the property, confirms that the building is structurally sound, and complies with all life safety requirements established by the various codes and standards.

When the review is complete and approved, City staff will notify you and provide information of the permits that are needed for the project.

If possible, business owners should consider bringing their contractor(s), architects, and engineers. This helps ensure communication and understanding from all involved.

SmartStart Q&A

See helpful answers to previous questions from other local businesses, or ask your own.

1

Hi,
I am working with a group applying for permits for an event during SXSW. They have a stage that is over the 120 SF threshold to be exempt from permit review. What kind of permit do I need to seek with DSD for a stage in an indoor venue?

Asked by: DS78704

No stage is exempt from acquiring a permit, no matter the size. Please contact Tony Hernandez, with Special Events at tony.hernandez@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512-974-1230.

Answered by: Development Services

Date published: 2019-02-08

Hi, I am trying to build a 12,000sqft pre-engineered metal building. The location doesn't fall into any of the city design designated area's and is zoned li. Do I need to have any windows? I would like to keep the building simple and allow my tenants

Asked by: nonprofitbuildings

If the office that's an accessory to the warehouse stays below 10% of the warehouse, there's no subchapter E requirements. If you have further questions, you may contact the Commercial Plan Review, located at 505 Barton Springs Road, 2nd Floor, Monday - Friday, 8:00a.m. - noon. Or you may submit a question via email by using the following email address commercialreview@austintexas.gov. Thanks!

Answered by: Development Services

Date published: 2018-09-24

A fire wall ends at the inside corener of a L-shaped bulding. Per 2015 IBC section 706.51 option 1 - the exterior walls need to be protected 4' both sides with 45 min protection. Does the remain exterior walls need to be protected?

Asked by: chad

Jan Adler, Plans Examiner Supervisor, Commercial Plan Review, Development Services Department would need to see the drawing or an illustration in order to respond to this question. Jan has asked that Chad email him at jan.adler@austintexas.gov. Thank you!

Answered by: Development Services

Date published: 2018-08-28

To whom it may concern,
I recently submitted a commercial project for plan review, which qualified for a 7 day review. My question is, is there a way on checking the status of the plan review via website?
Thank you,
Daniel

Asked by: Daniel

You may go to the Development Services Department website by accessing this link: https://abc.austintexas.gov/web/permit/public-search-other and doing a Public Search on Austin Build + Connect (AB+C). By typing in your PR# for example: 2018-083147 PR and Submit to check the plan review status. If you have other questions you may contact our Customer Service Representatives Monday-Friday 7:45 - 4:45 at 512-978-4000 to be transferred to the Commercial Plan Review Division. Thanks!

Answered by: Development Services

Date published: 2018-07-31

If you have a senior living project with the front desk being the only supervision

If you have a senior living project (R-2 ccupancy classification) with the only supervion being at the front desk do you have to comply with sub chapter E article 3 (glazing requirements) or article 2 (shade and shelter)? Thanks

Asked by: chad

If use is &quot;Retirement Housing&quot; no, those don't apply. (25-2-3 (B) (7&amp;8) of the Land Code. If use is &quot;Congregate Living&quot; yes, according to Land Code (25-2-6 (B) (11). The site plan or special exemption should ID the proposed use. If you have further questions or concerns you may email Donna Galati at donna.galati@austintexas.gov.

Answered by: Development Services

Date published: 2018-06-29

How would I be able to find out if a Geotechnical Report was done before work was done on a building back in 2003? It is located in downtown Austin.

Asked by: Paula

It is unlikely that the City would have a copy of a geotechnical report for a property. Geotech reports are commissioned by property owners, not the City. If the City did have a copy of a geotech report for a particular property, it would be contained within the archived records of the approved Plan Review case. Records research can be performed through the Development Assistance Center (DAC). The DAC's hours for research and document and map sales are Monday - Friday 9 am to 2 pm located at 505 Barton Springs Road on the 1st floor.

Answered by: DevelopmentATX

Date published: 2018-02-12

When is a change of use permit required / for a newly built building with retail spaces, if there has never been any prior tenant is a change of use permit required?

Asked by: CamD

If the retail space is newly built and never occupied, the next steps are dependent on the actual full site approval.
If the individual retail spaces were designated as part of the Site Plan and each space received a Certificate of Occupancy, and the space is going to remain retail then a change of use is not required. However, if the individual retail spaces were not designated for a particular use and were only approved as &quot;shells&quot;, each space will need to file a Tenant Finish Out Application for review and associated permits. This form can be found at the following link: http://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Planning/Applications_Forms/Submittal_requirements_for_Revisions_to_Approved_Plans.pdf. If you are uncertain of the approved Site Plan on file and the designated spaces please contact our Development Assistance Center located at 505 Barton Springs Road, on the 1st floor, Monday - Friday 9am - Noon.